Shmoo here

IMO, of course, you won't have a bored 3 year old on your hands. There's lots to do onboard and in ports that don't require signing up for or reservations. Yes, the more popular activities get swept up by the higher loyalty cruisers, but don't give up hope. Keep checking online every couple of days at random times. Since DCL activities are not paid for when booked (unlike on other cruiselines) sometimes people will book an activity "just in case" and cancel and they firm up their plans. You can also check once onboard for a wait list for activities. Royal Tea isn't really a good measure of whether you'll be able to book anything, as the spaces for it are pretty limited. Also, there are Open House times in the kid's clubs where the child can attend with a parent.

Correct. But, by boarding in a non-US port, it changes the type of cruise (for everyone) from a closed-loop one to a foreign one. The clearance procedures for a foreign cruise vs a closed loop one are different, and more involved. Cruise lines have opted in the past to no incur those changes and denied boarding down line.

No knowing what cruise you're taking the best answer is maybe yes, maybe no. My best GUESS - probably won't be able to do it.

Some do. Some don't. Wear what makes you comfortable.

https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/nicaragua-entry-requirements.html Foreigners must carry a document with proof of identity with them at all times while in Nicaragua, and face risk of detention if they cannot produce a document when asked. This document may be in the form of a permanent residency card, a temporary residency card, a passport, or a travel document with an entry stamp.

I'm not sure about that. This is from the CBP website: a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) An U.S. citizen under the age of 16 will be able to present either an original, notarized or certified copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State, (DOS) and/or Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I figure that applies to adults also (not just under 16s). Those who were born overseas BUT ON "US SOIL" don't typically have a US birth certificate, but will have the Consular Report of Birth Abroad now. Way back when, when I was born, my parents were issued a birth certificate from the country I was born in. When I got my own passport as a teenager, I didn't have to present any of those, as I had been included on my mother's passport as a child (they don't do this any longer). I just had to present my mother's passport and I was given my own, separate one, which I have kept current so I don't have to worry about the foreign language birth certificate or the report of birth abroad (which I had to get when I was 15).

Not for everyone. My birth certificate is in another language (yes, I'm a US citizen). Using a passport works better. I've experienced no delay in San Diego using my passport. (in comparison with other ports I've boarded in)

Every elevator lobby has stairs. You can use the stairs to go to the decks with rooms on them. On the Wish the pool deck is deck 11. Room decks are 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, & 13.

All cruises are "foreign" cruises. There's a link in there to click to find protocols for specific cruises. https://www.princess.com/protocol/

Even if it's 200 passengers, how many passengers does that ship carry? There were hundreds more passengers who knew what the requirements were than those who were denied boarding. Personal responsibility - something that can be REALLY helpful.

The reporter says "dozens of people are contacting her" I'm curious how many is "load" and "dozens"? Totally in agreement that those involved should have read their cruise info (IN WRITING) not relied on a phone conversation with a reservations representative.

It's my understanding that a suspended license is still a valid ID. You just can't drive. That said, I believe that suspended licenses are supposed to be surrendered to the DMV. Maybe that's only in some states, but it would be worth checking out.

I liked Dick Hardwick on a Holland America Cruise.

Kinda defeats the purpose of walking the Promenade deck.

On the other hand, if someone is unable to maneuver stairs, it's an issue.

But, as noted, a cruise line can impose a stricter policy than the law.

April 5th. 265 days. That was our first cruise since March 2020 (we all know why). Prior to that we cruised 2 or 3 times a year. We have another short one in a couple of months. I really miss cruising.

Thanks for a clear explanation of the situation.

From the Princess website: What is “Crew Appreciation”?A crew appreciation is a daily amount added to your onboard account, which is shared among the many members of our crew in hotel, dining and entertainment throughout the fleet who help make your cruise experience special. The daily amount of the Crew Appreciation is based on stateroom category.

I've known this for at least 5 years. And now HAL is going to do the same.

As with most things in life, You received some advice and chose to follow it. Your choice. You certainly have the option of contacting a supervisor and pleading your case, but I wouldn't expect another outcome.

I have a plastic file box that I label the folders with whatever reservation we just made. With RV trips and cruising we typically have 4 or 5 trips in various stages of planning at any given time. The folders are in date order. Initially I just toss whatever info I have in the folder, as the trip gets closer, I will start organizing side trips/excursions/whatever ideas.

Thanks, chief.

So, OP should get on in SD and get off in Ensenada? Or are you suggesting that OP should board in Ensenada? Then travel back to LA? Either way, not much of a cruise.

OP stated they've arrived in SD and awaiting the ship.